Tottenham Hotspur will look to continue their bright start under Jose Mourinho when they lock horns with Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. A win this week could help them seal a place in the knockout stages, though it could be a tricky test against an Olympiacos side, that managed to secure a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.
Here is how Mourinho’s men could line up against the Greeks this midweek.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Mourinho is expected to stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape but it won’t be surprising to see the Portuguese ring in a few changes from the side that won 3-2 against West Ham.
Danny Rose, in particular, could return to the side, replacing Ben Davies at left-back. Serge Aurier, however, will retain his role on the opposite flank, largely due to the absence of a reliable alternative.
Jan Vertonghen still remains a doubt heading into this fixture, meaning Davinson Sanchez could once again deputise for the injured Belgian. Juan Foyth is also an option but we expect Mourinho to opt for the Colombian, who will likely be partnered by the experienced figure of Toby Alderweireld at the heart of Tottenham’s four-man backline.
In goal, Hugo Lloris is ruled out with a long-term injury, paving the way for Paulo Gazzaniga to start in between the sticks for the Lilywhites this week.
Midfield
As I mentioned in my previous article, Eric Dier is set to become a crucial part of Mourinho’s midfield setup due to his defensive nature. He started in the win over West Ham and is once again tipped to get the nod ahead of Moussa Sissoko in central midfield.
He will be partnered by Harry Winks, who is likely to retain his role in the first-team, with Tanguy Ndombele being a doubt heading into this fixture. These two will form the double-pivot, which will be essential in providing the additional defensive cover for the backline.
Attack
Mourinho raved a lot about Dele Alli following Tottenham’s win over West Ham. But, the English international could be replaced by Christian Eriksen in the number ten role in this fixture.
Even Son Heung-Min is tipped to start on the bench, paving the way for Giovani Lo Celso to earn his first start under the new manager. The Argentine will be keen to make an impression as he seeks to earn a permanent move to North London.
Lucas Moura, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter, especially with Erik Lamela being ruled out for this fixture while the Tottenham attack will be led by Harry Kane.
